UW freshman Corey Clement looks for spot in RB rotation

Freshman running back Corey Clement has suddenly become the University of Wisconsin’s third option at tailback. Clement ran for more than 2,000 yards and scored 33 touchdowns as a high school senior. Credit: Joe Koshollek

After a solid first week of camp, Clement performed well in the team's scrimmage on Monday. His unofficial totals: 20 carries for 99 yards and a touchdown.

"No.1 he is tough," head coach Gary Andersen said. "No.2 he is very smart. He has handled the offense well. No.3 he has unbelievable ball security for a freshman.

"He came in here well rounded, and what we hoped to get out of him at this point in camp, it is definitely moving in that direction."

Clement brought an impressive résumé from Glassboro (N.J.) High School.

That résumé includes 2,323 yards and 33 touchdowns as a senior and 6,245 rushing yards and 90 total touchdowns overall.

"He has a purpose," Andersen said. "He is here for a reason."

Clement doesn't possess Gordon's speed and isn't shifty in tight quarters like White. His running style is more like a hammer, yet during camp he has shown the ability to spin away from would-be tacklers or reverse his field to pick up yardage.

"He is a hard runner, man," said senior left tackle Ryan Groy, who has seen several talented backs at UW. "He is going to be a heck of a player. I guarantee you that."

White rushed for 1,052 yards as a freshman in 2010, the No.4 mark in program history for a freshman. He averaged 6.7 yards per carry that season, the No.2 mark for all players with a minimum of 100 carries in a season.

Asked to assess Clement's ability, White was brief and blunt.

"He has a lot of talent," White said. "He has a lot of power in his legs. He reminds me of me when I was a freshman.

"He has a chance to contribute a lot this season because we need a third guy."

Part of Clement's preparation for life in a college backfield included studying video of former Detroit Lions' tailback Barry Sanders and the Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson.

Clement marvels at Sanders' elusiveness and his ability to turn a bad play into a big gain. In Peterson, he sees a runner who combines power, speed and toughness.

Although he understands he is battling two veteran running backs for playing time, Clement is confident he can help turn the talented duo into a productive trio.

"I believe bringing me in we can add even better balance to it," Clement said when asked about UW's ground game. "I just believe that if we contribute all together that this season could be a great one and we could break some records."